The First Read — July 22, 2009

Every Monday-Thursday morning, pa2010.com compiles the most important political news of the day, from newspapers to the blogosphere and back. Enjoy this edition.

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Santorum thinks Meehan should bow out, run for Congress instead
Joining a growing chorus of Republican leaders, former Senator Rick Santorum says that Pat Meehan should abandon his gubernatorial aspirations in favor of a Congressional run. Read More

Corbett leads Republicans in new guv poll and Dems in tight race
Reflecting his strong name recognition from two statewide election victories, Attorney General Tom Corbett holds a significant lead over his Republican rivals in the race for governor, according to a new poll. But the Democratic primary is in a statistical dead heat, giving even more reason for other candidates to consider jumping into the contest. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Independents trend Republican in guv race, poll shows

Pennsylvania House votes down Senate budget bill
The state House voted 49-150 Tuesday to defeat the Senate’s $27.1 billion budget proposal, which sends the budget discussions to a House-Senate conference committee. Read More

Stop… in the name of 77,000 State Workers?
In the middle of tense inter-caucus talks about Tuesday’s vote on the new Senate budget plan, House Democrats received a little encouragement to break the legislative gridlock from a world-famous singer. Read More

Sestak waves off Rendell on quitting Senate bid
A day after Governor Ed Rendell once against encouraged Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) to abandon his Senate run against Arlen Specter, Sestak’s campaign used it as more ammunition for his anti-establishment message. Read More

Sestak and Specter ought to cease & desist
Maybe it’s time to commission Muhlenberg or Franklin & Marshall or Quinnipiac for a new poll. The question I have for Pennsylvanians is this: How much would you pay to NOT have Arlen Specter and Joe Sestak spend the next 10 months beating the living crud out of each other? Read More

Fumo aide gets 1 year and 1 day
Ruth Arnao, former aide and longtime friend of ex-State Senator Vincent J. Fumo, was sentenced to one year and a day in prison this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter. Read More

Region prepares as G-20 summit draws nigh
With 65 days until the Group of 20 economic summit opens in Pittsburgh, city and county officials said Tuesday it’s time to begin preparing the region to welcome visitors from all over the globe. Read More

Poll: Pennsylvania voters unhappy with Governor Ed Rendell, lawmakers
Governor Ed Rendell and the Legislature are getting low marks from Pennsylvania voters as the state’s budget battles in Harrisburg, Pa., continue for a third week. Read More

Judge tosses NRA’S challenge to city’s missing gun ordinance
An Allegheny County judge on Tuesday dismissed a National Rifle Association legal challenge to Pittsburgh’s lost-or-stolen gun ordinance. Read More

Have a great day!